This Easy Copycat Sweet Fire Chicken brings the flavors of your favorite restaurant right to your kitchen! It’s packed with tender chicken, sweet and spicy sauce, and colorful veggies.
Making this dish is a breeze—just cook the chicken, stir in the sauce, and watch everyone get excited at dinner! I love to serve it over rice for a complete meal that everyone enjoys! 🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their tenderness and flavor. You can easily use chicken breasts if that’s what you have on hand or even tofu for a vegetarian option!
Flour and Cornstarch: The mix of these two helps create a crispy coating. If you need a gluten-free alternative, try using gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour!
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple gives the best flavor, but canned works in a pinch. If you’re not a fan, feel free to leave it out or substitute with bell peppers for extra crunch.
Red Bell Pepper: This adds color and sweetness. You can swap it for green bell pepper or any other color you prefer! Zucchini is also a great addition for a veggie boost.
Sweet Fire Sauce: Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance. For a sweeter sauce, add a little more brown sugar or even some honey. If you like it tangy, a splash more vinegar can do wonders!
How Can I Get Crispy Fried Chicken?
Frying can seem tricky, but it’s all about the heat and the coating! Make sure your oil is hot enough (around 350°F) before you start frying. A good way to test this is to drop a small piece of chicken in—if it sizzles right away, it’s ready!
- Keep your frying batches small. Overcrowding the pan can drop the oil temperature and make for soggy chicken.
- Let the fried chicken drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil, which keeps it crispy!
And remember, don’t skip the dredging step! A good coating is key for that crunchy texture you love.
Enjoy this easy recipe that brings restaurant flavors to your home, and as always, have fun cooking! 🍽️
How to Make Easy Copycat Sweet Fire Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 eggs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Vegetables:
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp grated fresh ginger
For the Sweet Fire Sauce:
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (can use from canned pineapple)
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1-2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to desired spice level)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry to thicken sauce)
Time Needed:
This delicious meal can be prepared in about 30 minutes! You’ll spend around 15 minutes prepping the ingredients and frying the chicken, and another 15 minutes to make the sauce and stir-fry the vegetables. Perfect for a quick dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Coating:
In a large bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper together. In another bowl, beat the eggs to have them ready for coating the chicken pieces.
2. Coat the Chicken Pieces:
Take each piece of chicken and dip it into the beaten eggs first, ensuring it’s well coated. Then, dredge it in the flour mixture, making sure every side is covered. This is what makes the chicken crispy!
3. Fry the Chicken:
In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches. Fry until they’re golden brown and cooked through, which should take about 4-5 minutes per batch. Once fried, drain the chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.
4. Make the Sauce:
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the pineapple juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir together and bring to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors combine.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Once the sauce is simmering, add the cornstarch slurry you prepared earlier. Keep stirring continuously for about 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. When thickened, take it off the heat.
6. Cook the Vegetables:
In a large skillet or wok, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking until they are fragrant (about 30 seconds). Next, add in the diced bell pepper, onion, and pineapple chunks. Stir-fry these for about 3-4 minutes until they’re slightly tender yet still crisp.
7. Combine Everything:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add the fried chicken to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the sweet fire sauce over everything and gently toss to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the sauce.
8. Serve:
Serve your sweet fire chicken over a bed of steamed white rice. If you enjoy a bit more heat, sprinkle some extra crushed red pepper flakes on top. Enjoy this mouthwatering dish that perfectly balances sweetness and spice!
Enjoy your homemade Sweet Fire Chicken, delightful and easy enough for a weeknight meal!
FAQ for Easy Copycat Sweet Fire Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water before cutting and cooking. Pat the chicken dry to ensure a crispy coating!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and fry it in advance, then store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the chicken in the oven to crisp it up again and then add the sauce and vegetables just before serving.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven or on the stovetop over low heat to maintain the crispiness. Microwaving is an option but may make the coating a bit soggy.
What Can I Substitute for Pineapple in the Recipe?
If you’re not a fan of pineapple, you can substitute it with additional bell peppers for a veggie boost or use mango for a different, sweet twist. You can also make the dish without any fruit if you prefer, just increase the quantity of vegetables!
